How does a ct show something is benign?

[boristuckshop]

Recently, I had a 3 day headache and went to see my doctor. She wasn't sure about what was causing it but gave me a referreral to get a ct scan if I wanted one. The next day, I still had the headache so I made an appointment to get the ct scan done. The headache had gone away by the time I got in but I went in anyway. They found a 25mm by 30mm tumor in the posterior fosser with a differential diagnosis of acoustic neuroma, ependymoma or meningioma. They also said it was very slow growing and most likely benign. Ever since I have had more and more questions and have been searching the internet when I came across this forum. It looks pretty good, I did a bit of a search but did not find anything that would answer my questions.

What I wanted to know was how do they know from a CT scan that something is slow growing? They also said my headache wasn't from the tumor.

I am due to get an MRI in 3 days time. My doctor gave me the option of going to a specialist first or just going straight in and getting the MRI done. Knowing how hard it is to see other specialists, I opted for getting theMRI done.

Ever since gitting the news, I have been going through all sorts of ups, downs and just horrible feelings. I am wondering perhaps that things are not moving fast enough and every day makes a difference. The slow growing and benign statements are what concernes me. What if they are wrong? Also, does anyone know the treatments for this type of tumor? (my doctor said the treatment was a very specialised so wasn't able to speculate).

Bernie.

[boristuckshop]

Thanks for that informaiton. I've got my MRI tomorrow so hopefully that will shed more light.

[3mom369]

My mother had a menginoma a few years ago. It was incapsullated. She had it removed by surgery. It was a slow recovery but she is doing great now great now with no side effects. They found it because she had a seisure. The first CT scan showed what the doctor said to be benign. It was, they can usually tell by the way the tumor looks.

[mysterypatient]

I think cancer shows up differently..and I don't care what Doctors say..if you have something that doesn't belong there...and you are having symptoms...how could it NOT be the cause..maybe it's not the tumor itself..but maybe it hits a nerve and causes the headache..or just puts pressure on something..I have a benign tumor on my kidney...and I MADE the doctor's repeat CT scans every year...luckily  it has not grown..and they said the same thing..it's PROBABLY benign...well I have no Kidney issues..so I am assuming it is benign..and it has not grown..I also had a polyp or growth in my sinuses...which they say is probably benign..but I have so  many sinus issues...who knows..but go to a specialists.Primary Docs dont' know everything..it will make you feel better to have someone else look at it...but give them the ACTUAL FILMS to view...not just the typed up report...a second pair of eyes never hurt..GOOD LUCK